Obituary of Peter S. Kareklas

Peter S. Kareklas, 82, of Peabody, husband of Despina (Manolakas) Kareklas, passed away on Tuesday, March 6, 2018. Peter (also known as Panos) was born in Pamfila-Lesvos, Greece on September 15, 1935 son of the late Soterios and Efterpi (Syrianos) Kareklas. Raised and educated in Greece. He served in the Greek Military followed by 4 years as a Merchant Marine. He and his family emigrated to the United States in 1971 making their home in Peabody. Peter was employed as a leather worker at the former Salem Suede Tannery in Peabody until his retirement. He was a very hard worker and instilled hard work ethics to his children. He dedicated his life to his family and especially enjoyed spending time with his 7 grandchildren. He was a proud Greek who had much love for his homeland. Peter and his wife summered every year in Greece, and as hobbies they took great pride in their gardening. Especially his vegetable garden. He also enjoyed spending time at the local Greek coffee shop (kafenio) with his special friends. In addition to his wife with whom he shared 52 years of marriage, he is survived by his two children and their spouses, Soterios and Marie-Denise Kareklas of Andover, and Effie and Stephen Kapnis of Peabody; proud Papou to his cherished grandchildren, Desiree, Nikoleta and Evan Kapnis, and Panos, Andoni, Georges and Raja-Marie Kareklas, and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his siblings Maria Moshonisiou, Apostolos Kareklas and Adamandia Aradas. Visiting hours: Sunday, March 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home at 82 Lynn St., Peabody. Funeral service will be held on Monday, March 12 at 10 a.m. at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 7 Paleologos St., Peabody. Burial will be held at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for directions, online obituary and memorial guest book.